KUALA LUMPUR: National track endurance coach Amir Mustapa Rusli believes road cycling great Harrif Saleh would be a valuable addition to his squad for the Thailand Sea Games next year.
Harrif, who has focused more on road cycling over the past decade, recently expressed his desire to represent the nation in track cycling at the Sea Games next year.
Amir said he would welcome Harrif in his squad though will have to work out an arrangement with Harrif's current employers, Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG).
"There are two track endurance events at the Sea Games next year - team pursuit and points race - and I believe Harrif would be better suited to the pursuit event. He has won the team pursuit Sea Games gold twice before (2007 and 2011)," said Amir.
"I would definitely welcome him in the team, however, he still is on contract with TSG so we have to work out a plan to allow him to train with us in phases.
"I have a great amount of respect for him. Although he is 36, he is still able to beat younger riders in track events consistently.
"With him in the track endurance team, he can motivate the younger riders to strive for more and also share his experiences with them. We need a rider with his ability and experience."
Harrif had earlier in his career won two gold in the team pursuit at the Sea Games in 2007 (Thailand) and 2011 (Indonesia) as well as the scratch gold in 2011 before he started to focus more on road cycling.
He went on to win two gold in road cycling at the 2015 Singapore Sea Games (road race, criterium) as well as one gold at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (criterium).
The Kuala Terengganu native has also won three Le Tour de Langkawi stages, which is more than any other Malaysian rider.
He also became the first Malaysian rider to win a UCI sanctioned road race in Europe when he won GP Manavgat in Turkiye in 2021.
Harrif proved he remains a force on the track after winning the men's elimination race gold medal at the National Championships in May.